SVDP
FRIENDS OF THE POOR® WALK
SVDP Friends of the Poor ® Walk announces HOPE as the new National Prize
As announced at the SVDP Mid-year meeting presentation on Friends of the Poor® Walk, we proudly announce the new National Prize for most dollars raised for the Friends of the Poor® Walk.
Thanks to the National Prize Sponsor, Bear Creek Country Kitchens, The SVDP entity that raises the most money will be entitled to have HOPE, the 42 foot long, mass-care, full-service mobile kitchen capable of feeding thousands of people per day delivered to their location. The winner will have HOPE delivered to their community for their local use in servicing the poor and other local community exposure events or as a goodwill ambassador HOPE is equipped with a full kitchen including grill, refrigerators, cooking kettles, storage, sinks, food prep areas, hot and cold drink carriers and all utensils. HOPE is self-contained and can be powered by an on-board generator and self-contained water and waste system. As well, HOPE can easily hook up to local water, waste and electrical systems.
The goodwill and publicity value HOPE could be substantial. Imagine, for instance, the impact on 1) member morale, 2) public awareness, 3) recruitment, 4) fundraising, and 5) government relations. In addition to helping the Society serve the poor, HOPE could serve as a constant reminder to the general public that we need them to help us help.
HOPE could be on hand for meetings, to cater the kickoff or closing meal for the members and let them see firsthand how many people HOPE can feed, and how quickly and efficiently. HOPE could drop anchor at a regional food festival and invite a celebrity chef on board for a fundraising fiesta. Each patron would receive SVdP promotional materials with his meal.
This visible, mobile image of the Society’s good works could be exploited in countless ways to boost member morale; increase public awareness, recruitment, and fundraising; and improve government relations.
We are very grateful to Bear Creek Country Kitchens for their support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and YOUR efforts to provide support to those most in need.
The cost of the delivery and pick up shall be paid by the National Council, while the local entity will be responsible for consumables, volunteers and local operations. Funds used for HOPE’s national prize deployment are derived from the assets of the Bear Creek Country Kitchen donation. The National Prize has been approved by Bear Creek Country Kitchens and in the fulfillment to Bear Creek Country Kitchens of the assurance that HOPE would be available for good-will and community service if not in service to disasters. Deployment time at location will depend on a disaster situation requiring HOPE’s relocation.
